Ch 1 Lymph Nodes Flashcards
___ is the fluid that travels through the lymphatic system?
Lymph
Where does lymph travel?
Through vessels, passing through lymph nodes along the way
What does the lymphatic system do?
-Acts as a fluid recovery system + filtering system (collects waste, bacteria + damaged cells to filter out)
-Adds lymphocytes
What is lymphadenopathy?
Abnormal size or consistency of lymph nodes due to inflammation, primary neoplasia or mets
What is lymphadenitis?
Enlarged lymph nodes due to inflammatory process (m/c maintains node shape + fatty hilum)
SF of malignant lymph nodes?
-Enlarged
-Hypoechoic
-Round
-Asymmetric cortical thickness
-Loss of fatty hilum
-Loss of nodal vascularity
SF of metastatic lymph nodes?
-Echogenic
-Heterogeneous
The axillary lymph nodes drain what?
The arm, walls of thorax, breast + upper walls of abdomen
List the 5 groups of axillary lymph nodes?
-Lateral (humeral)
-Anterior (pectoral)
-Posterior (subcapsular)
-Central
-Apical
The axillary lymph nodes are subdivided into 3 surgical levels relative to the pectoralis minor muscle. What are they?
Level 1: below lower edge of pectoralis minor
Level 2: underneath/posterior the pectoralis minor
Level 3: above/medial the pectoralis minor
When should we assess the axilla basin for abnormal lymph nodes?
After breast cancer or melanoma
Function of inguinal lymph nodes?
Major drainage pathway from the lower limbs, dorsal perineum + inferior aspect of anterior abdominal wall
Location of superficial + deep inguinal lymph nodes?
Superficial: inferior to inguinal ligament, passing through saphenous hiatus
Deep: medial to femoral vein
Are there more superficial or deep inguinal lymph nodes?
Superficial
What are lipomas?
-Benign fatty/adipose tumors surrounded by a thin connective tissue capsule
-Can arise in many parts of body
-Slow growing + ranges from 2-10cm
